Its 1914. Rudyard Kipling (David Haig) the British Empires greatest supporter is at the peak of his literary fame. Kiplings son Jack (Daniel Radcliffe) is determined to play his part in the imminent war with Germany but finds himself rejected due to his extremely poor eyesight. When his father uses his influence to land Jack a commission in the Irish Guards Kipling’s wife Caroline (Kim Cattrall) is bitterly upset failing to see the glory in losing her only son to the war.